November 9, 2009
Posted: November 9th, 2009 11:46 AM ET

From
ice President Joe Biden heads to Michigan Monday to lend a helping hand to two freshman House Democrats.
ice President Joe Biden heads to Michigan Monday to lend a helping hand to two freshman House Democrats.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Vice President Joe Biden heads to Michigan Monday to lend a helping hand to two freshman House Democrats who could face tough re-election bids next year. Will their votes on health care reform makes those bids even more difficult?

Biden headlines a fundraising event in Detroit for Michigan Democratic Party. Co-hosting the event are Congressmen Mark Schauer and Gary Peters. Both representatives voted in favor the health care reform bill that passed 220-215 in the House Saturday night.

The National Republican Campaign Committee is targeting the health care votes by Schauer and Peters.

"While Vice President Biden throws a lavish fundraiser to reward Mark Schauer and Gary Peters for their votes on the trillion dollar government takeover of healthcare, more than fifteen percent of Michiganders are out on the street looking for work," says NRCC spokesman Tom Erickson in a Monday morning statement. "If we're going to put Michigan back to work, voters will need to elect new leadership and fire Schauer and Peters, who have continually backed the reckless policies of Nancy Pelosi that create more government at the expense of the jobs that Michigan needs."


Democrats said the votes should give Schauer and Peters an edge next year.

"Mark Schauer and Gary Peters both have strong records of delivering for their districts and helping to create jobs in order to turn Michigan's economy around, responds Gabby Adler, Midwest Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "Voters in Michigan know that Health Insurance Reform is a key component of a long term economic recovery for Michigan workers and businesses of all sizes, and encouraged Schauer and Peters to support the legislation. Mark Schauer and Gary Peters have an undeniable advantage heading into 2010 because of their already significant legislative achievements and because of their prolific fundraising that no GOP candidate in Michigan has even come close to."

Schauer ousted Republican Rep. Tim Walberg in last year's election, winning by by 3 points in Michigan's 7th congressional district, which Barack Obama won by 5 points. He could be facing a rematch in 2010, as Walberg has already announced his candidacy - if he makes it past what could be a tough primary battle. Both the non-partisan Cook Political Report and the Rothenberg Political Report say the district's contest is likely to be competitive next year.

Peters topped Republican Rep. Joe Knollenberg by 9 points in last year's election in the 9th congressional district, which Obama won by 7 points.

"The health care vote is another piece of ammunition that Republicans will use against Schauer and Peters," says Nathan Gonzalez, political editor of the Rothenberg Political Report. "I think Republicans are more optimistic about Schauer. It's more of a Republican district.

Republicans have always seen an opportunity in the 7th and this health care vote adds to their optimism. This is going to be a top race next year."

Follow Paul Steinhauser on Twitter: @psteinhausercnn

Filed under: Democrats • GOP • Health care • Joe Biden


Richp   November 9th, 2009 3:00 pm ET

Old Joe is going to get some awesome frequent flier miles selling his socialist democrats that's for sure. As far as free health care goes, nothing is free, somebody has to pay for it and I'm tired of it being people like me who work for living.

andy   November 9th, 2009 2:58 pm ET

If you follow and vote for the lies of Obama, he will send someone to your state to try to save your politcal future. Everyone needs to vote out these losers in 20110 and vote Obama back to Chicago or wherever he is from in 2012.

Melissa   November 9th, 2009 2:58 pm ET

Why are the GOP so hateful? Its not healthy. And why would anyone vote these childish selfish people into power?

m jeff   November 9th, 2009 2:56 pm ET

Anyone who thinks the Healthcare system in this Country is ok, is either sick or work for the Insurance Companies.

oldtimer   November 9th, 2009 2:53 pm ET

Call it what you wil, death panels or sorry that procedure is too clostly. It amounts to the same thing, you will die because you will not be allowed to have that procedure that could save your life. "Or maybe they will say that you are just to old for that particular procedure. Same as death panels, but putting it more politely. Where does the government get off fining people that don't have insurance! There are better ways to reduce healthcare, and it starts with the companies that charge and manufacture the pills. If pills were affordable it would go a long way to reduce healthcare. Also if all the illegals did not get care at the emergency rooms it would go a long way to reduce health care.

Carl from MI   November 9th, 2009 2:49 pm ET

Where were all these phony fiscal conservatives when Dubya was putting the cost of TWO wars on the nation's credit cards?? Not a single one of them spoke up... now all of a sudden, they're born again fiscal-conservatives? What a farce!!!

Conservatives and Republicans have become a farce and the laughing joke of the political world!! I'll bet they'd be singing a different tune if all of them lost THEIR health care... it'd be a whole new ball game!!!

Chris D.   November 9th, 2009 2:46 pm ET

So we can afford to let the last administration spend trillions on wars, tax cuts, and medicare part D, but Heaven forbid that the middleclass recieve a trillion dollar help with medical reform?
This debate is over....I've chosen my side, and I'm in the bag for the DEMS to win......
Conservatives are hipocrites.....They let their own party spend trillions, and run the WH, and both branches of congress for 6 of 8 years.......

elliott   November 9th, 2009 2:39 pm ET

Just say "NO" to Obamacare!!
It's about government control...NOT HEALTHCARE.

And what is the price tag again.....?
No Thanks

hampster4361   November 9th, 2009 2:38 pm ET

Republicans will target anyone who attempts to help the ordinary working American. Repbulican loyalty is with corporate America and CEOs not average Americans. Guess if the republicans have their way any American that gets sick will have to DIE QUICKLY.

Lombardi Graham   November 9th, 2009 2:35 pm ET

Half the people on here must be the one's looking for a handout. Don't you know you will have to have insurance if not you will be fined. So what makes you think that the one's who could not afford it now will be able to pay for it when it become mandatory. What planet are you iditos living on please tell me because i'am looking for that planet also. Ain't nothing free everything has a cost and you may won't to start looking for work to pay for your insurance.

Pee Wee   November 9th, 2009 2:31 pm ET

If this health care business is sooooooooooo good for us, why is it not kicking in until 2013? Elections maybe?

Vic of New York   November 9th, 2009 2:30 pm ET

Michigan! Don't let those filthy rich financiers and Big Business-backed Republican Hacks scare you!

Right now, with so many workers out of a job you need affordable health care. When I was out of work for over a year, I couldn't afford my meds. Later I was told that more deadly plaque had built up in my heart while I was struggling.

In the meanwhile the execs from Wall Street were stuffing their pockets and driving around in Porches and Mercedes, and living in Mac Mansions all over my state.

Now they want to scare you into thinking that being out of work and out of insurance is good for you! These guys can afford to carry their weight! They're doing nothing for you buying foreign cars either!

Toss out the Republican Rats! Speak up and tell those nay sayers to crawl back into their caves!

Patti Miller   November 9th, 2009 2:29 pm ET

I would love to see health care reform but if we, the people don't begin to demand specific, precise & responsible legislation and continue to act like idiotic Democrat & Republican lemings, we deserve whatever we get. We need to demand the following of our legislators:

Demand that any legislation that is proposed, will always apply to our elected officials, NEVER ARE THEY TO BE EXEMPT, beginning with Health Care legislation. Never again.

That we the people demand that NO HEALTH CARE REFORM be passed without the inclusion of Tort Reform, which will instantly bring down the cost of health care. We are no longer tolerant of the runaway frivolous malpractice lawsuit "Industry" which benefits LAWYERS (who make up the majority of are our legislators). Never again.

Mike in LR   November 9th, 2009 2:29 pm ET

Sending Mr. Gaffe. That's cool. The conservative is a shoe-in with this babbling ignoramus representing the liberals.

Funny how liberals (democrats anyway) are so ignorant of facts. Conservatives offered a viable alternative to Pelosi's disaster and it was immediately dismissed. No dicsussion, end of story. Yeah, that's change we can believe in and promised bipartanship in action. What fools.

L for Legend   November 9th, 2009 2:29 pm ET

Down with the gop, the selfish and self-serving snobs.

Wade   November 9th, 2009 2:27 pm ET

I dare anyone here to show one government run program that operates in the black.
Every government run program to date is broken.
They're poorly managed, bleed money like theirs no tomorrow and provides sub par services.

Medicare is not government funded, it's TAXPAYER funded and it is a joke. Why do you think a majority of MediCare recipients need supplemental insurance?

Social Security would be completely solvent if the government hadn't robbed it blind and filled it up with IOU's.
And Social Security is not a socialist program, you only get back what you pay in plus interest.

The USPS that Obama likes to drag out as a shining example of how the government runs things is billions in the hole and sinking faster every year.

The government must stop trying to be all things to all people.
This is not what our country was founded on

Laurie   November 9th, 2009 2:26 pm ET

What are the Republicans doing??? They do not give a hoot about the economy or the American people. The citizens represented by these two fine individuals should be thankful for the stand that they have taken to try to improve the condition of health care and the country. Just because change is hard does not mean that it is not positive. It will not be positive for lobbying groups, the insurance companies, or the people who are paid off for votes by the insurance industry. Why can't the Republicans try to improve the condition of our health care system??? I do not understand. I commend the two representatives for voting for the bill. I have also written an e-mail to my representative for his courageous stand in voting for this issue. I think it is too bad that votes need to be classified as "brave" or courageous" when a vote for this kind of change is positive and good. Wake up, read the bill, quit thinking of your pocketbooks, and do something positive for the American people.

David   November 9th, 2009 2:23 pm ET

And so it begins. It's time we vote out all who voted in favor of the stimulus bill and now this piece of a healthcare bill. Let BO and Biden try all they might to support these traitors. It is time for all to shed this two party scam.

Pat F   November 9th, 2009 2:23 pm ET

Gary is GONE! Gary is GONE! Gary is GONE!

That is the chant in Gary Peters' district, where I live. Fool us once, shame on you – but we won't get fooled AGAIN!

Debbie   November 9th, 2009 2:22 pm ET

To the GOP targeting those running for office:

1) Are you or are you not trying to capture and unify the party? The constant attacking of people does not get people to stay or join the party.

2) How many Americans will have to become poor, lose their business, or die till you stop obstructing and move forward?

Jackie   November 9th, 2009 2:14 pm ET

To the people in Michigan...keep voting for the Democrats in your state. Just like California...the state Representatives know what's best for you...
Why should you think or care for yourself when you can have a goverment bureaucrat tell you how to live your life and how to spend your own money.

phyllis   November 9th, 2009 2:13 pm ET

The republicans are the reason that people are out of work.

If everyone would remember, George Bush was the president just a year ago.

This Country did not get this way under the leadership of our Present President, but under Bush.

It surprise's me how soon people for get, what really happened while Bush / Cheney where in power.

WAKE UP PEOPLE AND REMEMBER,WHERE ALL THIS UNEMPLOYMENT CAME FROM. Thank you
.

Republican   November 9th, 2009 2:12 pm ET

Hmmm.....perhaps if my fellow republicans did something PRODUCTIVE for a change we wouldn't be outnumbered. All I see the rejects currently posing as republicans doing is whining and complaining and throwing tantrums. It's a shame that so many morons are now part of my party.

I truely wish these right wing freaks would run off and form their own party, I don't care if the GOP dies because of it or not, it's current make up shouldn't just die, the 'death panel' should KILL IT and IMMEDIATELY. If this is the only kind of morons my party can find to represent it any more, then please, SHUT IT DOWN AND NOW!

MaryJo Bruce Surprise, Ariz   November 9th, 2009 2:11 pm ET

C'mon people, what don't you get. You cannot get free anything. This healthcare deal is going to cost and cost most of the upper and middle class as usual to pay for everyone else the Democrates feel should have free healthcare on our hard working backs. Illegals NO, Abortions NO, Take a step back and think. Who will pay and pay and pay for all this Government free stuff. THINK......We are taxed to death right now. Deeper and deeper were going. Paying almost 60% of what we earn now. Why should those of us that work pay for those that do not care to or are sliding by. Have 6 kids all with cellphones, TVs in 3 -4 rooms, and the list goes on and on. They CAN pay for some healthcare but choose for the rest of us to do it. Has to STOP somehow.

Rog   November 9th, 2009 2:05 pm ET

People here just don't get it. The House passes a bill for healthcare reform and the very people who want to get this terrific healthcare bill done REFUSE to have it apply to themselves....what is this telling you people!!??
This bill is NOT what it's cracked up to be...I read the last bill..it was absolutely horrific!!
I don't care WHAT party affiliation you are. Have the mind to look at what's happening folks!! Get off this "party of no", "republicans are American Taliban"....read the bill instead of following somebody else like a pack of sheep.

Mike   November 9th, 2009 2:05 pm ET

How anyone can put their trust in the US government to manage health care is beyond me, they (the gov't) do such a great job operating the Postal Service, Medicare, Medicaid and Public Schools – why should we expect any difference in the gov't running health care?

Senior Lilarose in Oregon   November 9th, 2009 2:00 pm ET

You vote Republican, you might as well welcome George W. Bush back to the White House.

Everything will go back to where he was.....

Paul from Phoenix   November 9th, 2009 1:56 pm ET

Because Biden was so successful in VA and NJ.

simp   November 9th, 2009 1:50 pm ET

The evil GOP's are out in full force. I thought halloween was two weeks ago but these clowns are out trying to scare the democrats everywhere. face it morons you lost the vote Saturday and you will lose the final vote too. Stop trying to scare every body you, the GOP cannot be trusted.

Andi   November 9th, 2009 1:49 pm ET

Well, what are the GOP candidates planning to do FOR the people of Michigan? There are a lot of people in this country that don't vote to keep, gain, or regain 'power' for a particular party. They vote for candidates that will address the issues important to them, not whether or not the GOP is in 'power'. Being in power doesn't sound much like helping the country, now, does it?

normajean   November 9th, 2009 1:46 pm ET

We don't need any more talk from the Republicans regarding the cost of health care. Everyone knows now that the Repubs sent a C-130 carrying twelve billion dollars cash to Iraq in 2007 The money arrived and then ultimately disappeared.Don't believe it,Check Google. It's proven and verified. The arrogance of the Repubs is over the top.It's ridiculous for a country like ours to have little if any medical care for its citizens .If we can throw money into wars, we can surely protect our people with a proper health care plan.

/ well, just check Google .It's true and has been verified.Their arrogance is over the top.Their lies and subterfuge just go on and on.This health acre problem should have been taken care of years ago. It's ridiculous for a nation such as ours to have families with small children and no medical care.

tom in Tennessee   November 9th, 2009 1:44 pm ET

Let's see, it's only Republicans that are capeable of lying to the folks. Democrats would never do any thing like that. Where is all the transparency that Obama promised? What about what he said cap and trade would cost the average family? How about a massive stimulus bill that costs a fortune but is designed to create a minimum of jobs. It was written by the Apollo alliance not congress. Ever notice how bama has to demonize anyone who does not agree with his policies? Now you all just celebrate that the dems passed health care in the house, have a good time and feel good. But if any of you have half a brain, try reading that bill and consider it's implications. The dems are screwing all of us just as bad as the repubs have screwed us,

Conserva-Baggers are bad for America   November 9th, 2009 1:41 pm ET

The people of Michigan are smart enough to realize that it is because of the politics of the Republican'ts that they have some of the worst unemployment in the country. Unemployment = no health insurance. The people of Michigan are smart enough to realize that the Democrats are working to pass health insurance reform with a public option and so, their lives are better because of Democrats. It's really quite simple.

MARK   November 9th, 2009 1:37 pm ET

MIchigan is a lost cause. They keep reelecting the domocrats in the state house and the dem Governor....even though it has one of the worst ecomonies in the country. I moved out of that state once Granholm was reelected. SHE HAS RUINED MICHIGAN!!!

jay   November 9th, 2009 1:36 pm ET

What a great way for the Democrats to assure that the Republicans will get those two seats. How did Joe "Open mouth, insert foot" Biden work out for you Democrats in New Jersey? Loss of a state that was overwhelming Democrat just 12 scant months ago. Or in Virginia,where the Democrats won a state that had not voted Democratic in a Presidential election since 1964. Let's face it, liberals, 30 miles outside any metropolitian area, liberalism is poison, and if more people would wake up, they might see that it doesn't work out so well there either.

Dennis   November 9th, 2009 1:33 pm ET

I was in the Upper Pensinsula of Michigan this summer. This is an area that is highly unionized, but the Democrats are very unpopular up there right now.

Dawn   November 9th, 2009 1:23 pm ET

Michigan's high unemployment rate is precisely why we need health care reform. All of these people that are unemployed have lost their healthcare as well.

Bob   November 9th, 2009 1:21 pm ET

Three words: Tax the Rich.

Neil   November 9th, 2009 1:20 pm ET

We have no MONEY, wake up!!!!

Greg, MN   November 9th, 2009 1:20 pm ET

Somebody should tell Biden to stay home and shut up. How's that Hope and Change working in Virginia and New Jersey?

mjm   November 9th, 2009 1:18 pm ET

You Dems do realize that 45000 still remain uninsured with this new bill...right?

Millions are left uncovered. Puts a little dent in you’re "reps want you to die.." argument.

Does Pelosi know what year this plan goes broke? I know it's 2016 for Medicare.

Funny how BCBS can cover millions of Americans, and not go broke.

This bill is a disaster, kind of like MI. They deserve democrats in that state.

Fan of Common Sense   November 9th, 2009 1:14 pm ET

I guess the people in Michigan are getting a little tired of the 13% unemployment rate–a rate the democrats consider OK when they are the ones in power. If the democrats want help from Biden-the-boob, they must really be getting desperate.

JoeK   November 9th, 2009 1:13 pm ET

So Republicans are criticizing Democrats trying to provide health care for people who lost their jobs due to Bush-Republican policies? So somehow Republicans will restore jobs to Michigan even though their policies contributed to Michigan and the country's economic demise? I'm sure none of these GOP stooges have ever had to try and pay for health insurance for a whole family once they lost their jobs. If anything, Michigan needs health insurance reform most of all because of all the job losses.

tom in Tennessee   November 9th, 2009 1:13 pm ET

Biden needs to reassure the people of Michigan that regarding the economy, the dems policies will soon reduce most of the rest of the country to the same dire straits that state finds itself in. Michigan take comfort in knowing you will not be alone.

Dan, TX   November 9th, 2009 1:12 pm ET

This is what I have been saying. Barack Obama has divided the country right in the middle. With just 5 votes majority in the congress how can he say that American people want his Healthcare plan. In fact he should not proceed until he gets 60-70% votes. It is shameful for this President and Vice President who have no respect for the opposition and they try to force their policies on American people. I hope they get the lesson in coming elections and American people should never vote for such change and throw them out from their chairs.

Fed Up   November 9th, 2009 1:11 pm ET

There is NOTHING in the bill that will lower health insurance, infact it will go up. You clowns can't really think this is a good bill. Democrats refuse to work on REAL health insurance reform, they only want to cram this crap down our throats. They couldn't even run their H1N1 vaccine program and you think they can take over healthcare? Public option will be the ONLY option, don't be fooled into thinking you will actually have a choice in the future.

Ted:Canada   November 9th, 2009 1:10 pm ET

From Canada with love!

Our sports team travels to Michigan on a regular basis as well as seven other states. In turn we have US teams that play us in Ontario

If you ever had a child experience a sports injury – I hope you were in Canada!

I have heard horror stories where families paid thousands for sport injuries – some pulled their kids from sports – and for some sports injuries was considered a preexisting condition wow!

Also from my friends in the US I have even heard that sports organizations have had problems with getting insurance coverage.

COME ON! AMERICA! “Let’ the kids play”

Organized sport is not just for rich and those that can afford health care costs.

Obama – keep fighting for the kids – all the kids!

Will in Carson City   November 9th, 2009 1:08 pm ET

When are people going to understand that NEITHER party is for the people? Both Republicans and Democrats are only in it for themselves.

Oh.... and while this health care bill may help unemployed get health insurance via the public option, how will they pay for it if they're not employed?

S M R   November 9th, 2009 1:06 pm ET

The WAR PROFITTEERING GOP wants us to spend our money on WAR. 10 Billion a month spent in IRAQ for what???

VB Lincoln Park NJ   November 9th, 2009 1:05 pm ET

The comments about VICE-PRESIDENT BIDEN'S visit being lavish is a clear indicator of accusing the opposition of what you (GOP – GREED OVER PRINCIPLE) are guilty of propagating.

Thanks, GI Joe for telling it like it needs to be said.

Yates   November 9th, 2009 1:01 pm ET

With undemployment at 10.2% when liberals promised it would not go over 8% with the payoff I mean stimulus they are not going to get re-elected anyway. Under their leadership I can promise you that Michigans unemployment will only get worse under those idiots. Our small business owner said he will be laying people off if this gets through the Senate. This is a job killer.

victim of democrat hypocrisy   November 9th, 2009 1:01 pm ET

This medicare-for-all fiasco the dems are trying to force down our throats will be their undoing come the 2010 elections.

Frances   November 9th, 2009 1:01 pm ET

What good would this country be if our budget is no longer in the red but our citizens are sick or suffering from fatal illnesses because they didn't have healthcare to catch it in time? Republicans are obviously sick themselves if they believe money is priority over health. If a person does not have their health, money means nothing!

S M R   November 9th, 2009 1:01 pm ET

The Policies and Ideals of the GOP is harmful to the future of Our Great Country. Why would ANYONE EVER support the Ridiculous RIGHT!!!

Rich Scott   November 9th, 2009 1:00 pm ET

Don't you think you deserve the same health care as our professional politicians do. Hey you pay for their's why should we not get some of the same. As for recovery in Mich larger goverment means more Govt . Jobs this is the start of recovery. It never ceases to amaze me that the ones that don't want a bigger Govt. are the ones always blaming the Govt. for their problems.

george from alaska   November 9th, 2009 1:00 pm ET

it never fails to amaze me how ignorant people can be in general. why would anyone in middle calss america be against reforming insurance company rip offs? they have plastered tv with their ridiculous commercials though and if you show the lowest common denominater enough lies on a daily basis eventually some of them will be fooled.

i see palin is back at her "death panel" baloney. that alone proves that she cares nothing about truth. the folks up here in alaska got fed up with her lies and ran her out of town on a rail. she is the most dishonest, backstabbing, self-serving, sack of dog crap witch imaginable...and many in the lower 48 are fooled by her false apple pie goody goody i'm one of ya'll you betcha image. folks, wake up & smell the coffee!

Aaron   November 9th, 2009 1:00 pm ET

Strange how the Repubs forget that they were instrumental in putting the 15% of Michiganers out of work.

Buckeye Voter   November 9th, 2009 12:58 pm ET

What number of bankruptcies caused by medical bills is the right number? What is the optimum number of early fatalities caused by lack of medical insurance?

Kevin in Ohio   November 9th, 2009 12:57 pm ET

These dems in red districts who voted for the bill went AGAINST the will of their constituents. They will be rightfully voted OUT next year. We cannot afford this trillion dollar government plan. Period. The only ones who will benefit from it are the Lawyers.

S M R   November 9th, 2009 12:53 pm ET

These GOP CLOWNS are out numbered BIG TIME. The Democrats are poised to keep the Majority that is so critical to the FULL recovery of OUR Great Country.

Jim in Florida   November 9th, 2009 12:53 pm ET

Immediately following the health care bill vote, the Obama machine trots out Biden to help the robots in Michigan raise money FOR NEXT YEAR.

Vote buying is alive and well in Congress.

C. Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 9th, 2009 12:52 pm ET

Michigan is a good example of which party really cares about them and their families who have no health insurance due to job loss. It is immoral for any Republican to stand in the face of the people of Michigan and ask for their vote but have voted to deny them healthcare.

The South shall rise again!   November 9th, 2009 12:50 pm ET

"Government won't run us!"
"No to civil liberties"
"No to women's choice!"
"No to integration!"
"No to health care reform!"

Republicans forever!

aproudmemberoftheunpatrioticmob   November 9th, 2009 12:49 pm ET

So now let me get this straight. Me, as a hardworking taxpaying citizen, who follows the laws and societies rules will be responsible for paying for paying the medical bills for those that have made poor choices in their lives, don't work, don't pay taxes and stay at home watching Jerry Springer and Oprah. Can anyone explain to me why Obama and Pelosi and all of the other libertards out there think that this is a great victory for them? Please some libertard respond to this, I know it is not a Sarah Palin story but try to put a cogent thought together and tell me why I am being robbed by this lying President and his lying, thieving liberal cronies in Congress. Obama, one and done.

Vets4Obama   November 9th, 2009 12:49 pm ET

Now that we have health care on the move, lets elect MORE people like those who voted for this bill. We need to absolutely steam roll the republican opposition to entering the 21st century.

If it were left to repubilcans, we would have refused to invent fire! OUT WITH THE PREHISTORIC MORONS...aka republicans! And in with the patriots who actually work to IMPROVE america, Democrats!

Sniffit   November 9th, 2009 12:49 pm ET

im not likin this,

did anyone read the bill?

those jerks

S M R   November 9th, 2009 12:47 pm ET

The GOP has this story backwards. The GOP will be targeted come 2010 for their support of the STATUS-QUO. The Majority will prevail with high vote counts because we are SICK AND TIRED of the Corporate driven GOP.

jj123   November 9th, 2009 12:47 pm ET

This bill is so bad that they couldnt get all the democrats on board and it still leaves out 6-8% of the uninsured.

Republicans are the American Taliban   November 9th, 2009 12:46 pm ET

The answer is No CNN!! To answer your inflamatory question...their vote for healthcare reform will make it EASIER for them to get reelected!!

Jim   November 9th, 2009 12:46 pm ET

If I were running for office I would gladly accept the GOP criticism for passing health care. And then I would say, what did the GOP ever do for you when they had a chance? Their whole agenda is to dismantle our government so it can't stop their rich patrons from running the country and I can't think of anything they have done in the last 30 years that really benefits anyone who is not wealthy.

Really Concerned about America   November 9th, 2009 12:46 pm ET

I am concerned that America wants to kill a health care bill meant to lower costs for all Americans. They want to kill the bill because they think it is unfair to the insurance agencies?? The same insurance agencies that have raised rates 130% in 10 years and denies coverage to millions of Americans?

So Americans think its a government takeover? Do they not see that other industrialized countries that have a form of government health care have lower premiums and a longer life span than Americans?
Do Americans not look at the facts? And why are they trying to protect a system that is bankrupting businesses and average Americans?

The opposition party really sounds like politicians in the pre-cival rights age. As they claim "Government will not tell us what to do" or "Government will not tell use we have to integrate!!!"

The party is mimicking the hatred of change again.

Wake up America, you are supposed to be a beacon...

GI Joe   November 9th, 2009 12:45 pm ET

Why are republicans so protective of Insurance Companies' profits?

Cynthia in MI   November 9th, 2009 12:44 pm ET

I'm from Michigan and couldn't be prouder of these two Dems. Congratulations!

Charlie   November 9th, 2009 12:44 pm ET

I have a feeling the people who really support health care reform are not the ones paying the majority of taxes. I know you all hate the wealthy but you have to face the facts that the wealthy are the ones paying for all of these entitlement programs. When the wealthiest 5% of the people are paying half of all the income taxes in America something is wrong. Whats going to happen when all of the wealth of this country gets taxed away then who will be paying for all of this stuff?

Enough   November 9th, 2009 12:42 pm ET

Out with those who voted for this terrible bill. We want health care reform, not higher taxes and the destruction of quality health care. Anyone who voted for this needs to be replaced........we know who you are.

SLM   November 9th, 2009 12:40 pm ET

With the mess this country is in you would think Biden could find something more important to do than this constant campaigning for fellow Democrats.............so much for this administration working for all Americans, Obama and company are the most divisive administration in history as well as being the worst president ever.

LacrosseMom   November 9th, 2009 12:40 pm ET

The Republicans do not have any solutions.

The Republicans are not FOR Americans, but for Big Pharma, Big Insurance, Big Corporations.

Republicans do not get, that the MAJORITY of Americans WANT HEALTHCARE!

The Republicans do not care, that 45,000 Americans die every year because they lack healthcare.

Republicans ONLY know how to OBSTRUCT, LIE, SCARE & DIVIDE our Nation!

Chris - Seattle   November 9th, 2009 12:37 pm ET

No bias in this blog, "trillion dollar government takeover of healthcare"! CNN who's team are you on, the American people bankrupt from medical bills, the unemployed that can't get insurance, the people spreading disease because they can't afford care or are you on the side of all this mindless rhetoric supporting the political agendas of the republicans and corporate America? I guess, from the sounds of it, I should already know my answer, though I'm pretty appalled and all this negative rhetoric that mirrors what went on in 1935 and 1965! Disgusting!

vic nashville , Tn   November 9th, 2009 12:37 pm ET

62.5% bankruptcy due to health insurance. Time for republicans to let it go

The lost minorities now they are ready to lose middle class

bill   November 9th, 2009 12:37 pm ET

I see the future of the GOP, and it looks like a blank page. You can't keep voting against everything that may help the general population and expect people to vote you back in office...bye, bye party of NO!

Willy Brown   November 9th, 2009 12:36 pm ET

Good job Joe. The republicans will when for sure now.

katiec   November 9th, 2009 12:33 pm ET

Og course the GOP is going to fight against Health Care Reform.
They support the continuation of big business running, controlling our country making crucial decisions on our behalf.
The party of NOthing is out to destroy our country in any way possible. They are on the brink of becoming our countries most dangerous
domestic terrorists.

Tom in Delaware   November 9th, 2009 12:32 pm ET

Americans are going to targets ALL Dems over Health Care...bye-bye in 2010...and good riddance.

S M R   November 9th, 2009 12:31 pm ET

The GOP sure has alot of nerve pointing fingers at ANY Democrat.

Emma   November 9th, 2009 12:30 pm ET

Please, please, those of you against health care reform with a public auction, can you not see you are shooting yourself in the foot? Death occurs to sick people who cannot get health care they need because the Health Insurance Companies decide what and who they will pay for, while raking in millions of profit. Of course our Congress men and women will always get the health care they need without paying a bundle. Those in the Congress over 65 can also be on Medicare which is well known as a government run plan.

Susie   November 9th, 2009 12:30 pm ET

Michigan is a little more savvy than the voters in other states. We've been through the worst, and are expecting things to improve gradually. We also do not blame the meltdown of the auto industry, and our job base, on Democrats. The auto companies were very shortsighted when pushing Hummers and SUVs on the public at the expense of new energy efficient vehicles. That was not the fault of any Democratic plot.
Along with unemployment comes loss of health care benefits. Do the Republicans truly believe that a state with thousands of uninsured will penalize their representatives for voting for much needed reform? The bill is not perfect, but it is a step toward equality for all our citizens.

Chipster   November 9th, 2009 12:29 pm ET

Voting for the Health Care Bill should be a plus for these candidates. The GOP has to fabricate garbage about death panels to incite fear. They cannot win on the truth so they exaggerate and fabricate. By next year, the truth will be known if supporters of the plan have any communication skills at all. It's easy to tell the truth.

The truth is this: more people are losing their healthcare daily...more businesses are finding it impossible to offer health benefits with increases of 55%-84% in premiums...more bankruptcies are caused by health-related issues than any other cause. The military is spending more and more of its funds on healthcare and expects costs to double in the next 10 years.

This is unsustainable. The GOP plan is to give more subsidies to the insurance and pharmaceutical companies.

JonDavis   November 9th, 2009 12:28 pm ET

If Michiganites are so stupid as to vote out two congressmen who voted FOR the people of Michigan, then Michiganites deserve to the be the tail of America's economic decline.

slipthalo   November 9th, 2009 12:28 pm ET

Can the Republicans tell us just where those who are unemployed in Michigan have the healthcare for their families?

Laverne   November 9th, 2009 12:27 pm ET

The republicans message is "we won't tolerate anyone who does not do things the way we do, including moderate republicans". I don't know how they can sleep with the selfish decisions they make and deliberately lie to the American people. Shame on them all!

RahmAxleRod SuperTroopers   November 9th, 2009 12:24 pm ET

Make a good bill, that they cant defend... not 2000 pages of crap....

Mike   November 9th, 2009 12:23 pm ET

if they vote FOR HealthCare Reform – THEN they deserve to be reelected NEXT YEAR....OTHERWISE – VOTE THEM OUT....AND ALL THE GOP TOO

Fred the Moderate   November 9th, 2009 12:21 pm ET

Bring it on

Yates   November 9th, 2009 12:20 pm ET

Throw them out. Time to get rid of these unrealistic liberals who think that US taxpayers are an in-exhaustible source of dollars.

Jim   November 9th, 2009 12:20 pm ET

These two Michigan freshmen Democratic Representatives are to be congratulated for their historic vote! Voters should remember their courage and re-elect them with a solid margin. I also applaud the Louisiana freshman Republican Representative Cao who voted with his conscience to support the health care reform bill. These three freshmen Representatives are shining examples of what I expect from our Congress in this historic turning point.

Pat F   November 9th, 2009 12:18 pm ET

I live in Gary Peters' district – he rode in on the Obamessiah's coattails, but he'll be riding OUT super-quick.

Don't waste your hot air, Biden. Gary Peters has absolutely no chance of re-election. Not a prayer. This district has been solidly Republican for decades, and it will return to that very soon.

Peters is a hypocrit – saying that he favors a fiscally responsible Congress and then voting for this budget-busting bloat of a Bill. Ciao, chump, you are HISTORY.

Street-Smart   November 9th, 2009 12:15 pm ET

Seems like the GOP and its cohorts from the RNC are in denial that it was under their watch that the economy fell off the cliff creating one of the worst depression since the 1930's and the significant job loss accompanying the event...

So, exactly, how do the RNC intent to recreate jobs in Michigan, a task in which they have proven so inept going back to great depression?

Harley   November 9th, 2009 12:10 pm ET

The Dem. Heath Care Reform is the Gov. Run and should not be in the bill this is not a SOCIALIST country in the bill also has our tax money paying for abortion !!!! Not to mention if you are OLD and have a problem and need taken care of you are not going to get it because you are not worth the cost . AARP is just in it for the money that is why the support it.

Independent   November 9th, 2009 12:09 pm ET

GOP has every right to fight for what they believe in but what is sad they have not offer any help, only criticism....ENOUGH ALREADY!!

diridi   November 9th, 2009 12:07 pm ET

hit those idtioic republicans, and pass this nation's need, dire need...health care with public option...be tough....we back you up....next elections...my vote for you...joe...we love you....pass this health care bill with public option....god bless, the usa...

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   November 9th, 2009 12:06 pm ET

Republicans are getting in the way of trying to move tis country forward. They are going to be so shocked come 2010. Voters will remember them as a party of obstruction and no ideas on how to fix our problems.

Problem # 1 for them is that they said NO to the stimulus bill. Let's think about this for a minute. The Republicans were intending on letting the financial system collapse and putting us in a depression. WRONG ANSWER!!!!! They will lose alot of seats due to that.

southerncousin   November 9th, 2009 12:04 pm ET

The liberals have go to realize this, me and millions of others who have legitimate disagreements and actually pay taxes and vote are angry that this thieving atrocity has gotten this fare, angry that we have been called names and had our motives demonized by them. All of the rhetoric they used will come home to roost in 2010 it will be decades before another liberal is elected or reelected. Obama, one and done.

yuri   November 9th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

And who will target the GOP goons? After we listened to the lackluster lambasts from the lackadaisical loonies of the GOP, we concluded that they had no substance or whole truth, in their rhetoric about freedom.

The jail sentence for 5 yr., and $250000 penalty for the insurance
non-compliers, however, from the HR 3962, bother us quite a bit.

PREDICTA   November 9th, 2009 12:01 pm ET

Don't waste your time, Joe. Both these dems are toast next year for voting for this mess.

Terry from West Texas   November 9th, 2009 12:00 pm ET

As if a Conservative cares one way or the other about unemployment. If the "free market" is fair, then those people deserve to be unemployed. After all, they were layed off and others were not layed off. Or, they chose to work in a weak corporation or a weak industry. They chose poorly. Let them suffer. Now THAT is the true Conservative position and THAT is what they really think.

It's like wages. Whenever there is talk of raising wages, global corporations solomnly inform us that they are worried that higher wages will increase unemployment.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me a hundred times over fifty years and I must be a Conservative voter.

Brennan, Seattle WA   November 9th, 2009 11:59 am ET

You mean Michigan with the highest rate of unemployment in the country? These people are the ones that need health care the most.

Don't let the wool be pulled over your eyes by the GOP.

Duane in Michigan   November 9th, 2009 11:57 am ET

Good for Schauers and Peters! Republicans can whine all they want...and will, but these men are just doing whats best for the state of Michigan and this country. Universal health care is what the Democrats ran on in the last election and its good to finally see action happening.

Schauer's is my representative and I am proud to see him sticking to his word and fighting for the people in his district!

John, Brooklyn, NY   November 9th, 2009 11:57 am ET

First, it is the height of hypocracy for the Republicans to call ANYTHING that the Democrats organize as "lavish". The money that big oil, big, insurance, and big military slathers on the GOP is shameless by comparison to the millions of small donations that campaigns like the Obama presidential run received.

Second, in a state where unemployment is outpacing the rest of the nations – where people are losing their jobs and, along with them, their healthcare insurance coverage – the GOP has to resort to trickery to actually get Michigan voters to act against their own best interests by vilifying these valiant Congressmen.

Jane/Seattle   November 9th, 2009 11:56 am ET

Get the Private lobbying MONEY out of our Elections NOW! This system is archaic, corrupt and not worthy of a democracy! You are so complicit, Joe as a good old boy! Sick of all of you posturing, pompous, more important than thou opportunistic Politicians! In the wonderful words of John Denver's old song, It's About Time", "..whose to say someone has to lose for someone else to win..." Peace

Beth   November 9th, 2009 11:55 am ET

If Michigan workers are out of work, they are also out of health care. Therefore, the new health reform bill will be a blessing to them, not a curse. By the time 2010 rolls around, many of the unemployed may be working again, and the Republican's strategy would no longer be relevant anyway.

chris   November 9th, 2009 11:54 am ET

"government takeover of healthcare"... you mean like Medicare? As far as I can see... few seniors would be willing to drop this OPTION. I still don't see a GOP suggestion... just finger pointing as always...

George   November 9th, 2009 11:54 am ET

The party of lets shaft America and Americans is still at it. They hate decency and would rather see people suffer as long as it doesn't cost them a cent. In fact, it's probably entertainment to some of the sick right wing. How can a party survive that hates decency? The right wing is broken, and they are too stupid to fix it with a DECENT splint.

GI Joe   November 9th, 2009 11:52 am ET

If you're wealthy, vote republican.

If you're NOT wealthy, vote democrat.

Fair is Fair   November 9th, 2009 11:52 am ET

If Biden is on the way, they're surely doomed. The only thing that could be better for the republican candidates is if O-blah-blah himself went there.

D. D.   November 9th, 2009 11:50 am ET

Send in The Closer, Michelle Obama , also.

Death Panel Sarah   November 9th, 2009 11:49 am ET

Why does the 'evil party of no' always try to vilify the good that is being done for the people?
Can't the people see the 'cons' are only for the rich and corporations? They were against any Union jobs or pay raises in the state!

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